innkeeper's blog

We’re Raving about Ravines Wine Cellars

At Ravines Wine Cellars, wine is more of a lifestyle than a delicious beverage to be enjoyed every now and then. It’s decades of knowledge and a heritage that spans generations and crosses oceans. To Morten Hallgren, who was raised in the Provence region of the South of France, wine-making was part of daily life. With viticultural skills honed at the 270-acre estate known as Domaine de Castel Roubine, Morten has created a small, distinctive winery with his wife Lisa using Old World traditions in tandem with the unique climate of the Finger Lakes.

Tour the Best Finger Lake Wineries in a 1971 VW Bus

The Finger Lakes is famous for its delicious wine and world-class vineyards and with thousands of visitors and tourists every year, wine touring, unless you drive and guide yourself, can become an impersonal experience. There’s one tour that is guaranteed to be a Finger Lakes experience you’ll never forget. Climb aboard the 1971 forest green VW bus named Terrapin, used for a specialized private or public tour of the Seneca, Cayuga, and Keuka Lake Wine and Brew Trails.

Leaves and Lobsters on the Lawn at Glenora Wine Cellars

Summer is coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. As the leaves start to change and with usual fall foliage starting in September and peak in early October, the wineries in the area are looking forward to one of their busiest times of the year and many of them celebrate with fall harvest festivals.

Skydive over Cayuga and Seneca Lake

If you're looking for a life-changing experience, the Finger Lakes is the best destination for you. But it's not our famous wineries or our waterfront bed and breakfast that will turn your world upside down--literally (but they are certainly incredible). At Skydive Finger Lakes in Ovid, not even 20 minutes down the road, you'll get to experience a view of six of the Finger Lakes from 10,000 feet in the air. If it's your first time skydiving, you're in for an adrenaline rush like you've never had before.

Visit Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery in the Finger Lakes

Are you a fan of fruit? The Finger Lakes is one of the best regions in the world for growing fruit and a lot of it goes into the making of our famous, delicious wines. But it's more than just grapes we're talking about. This summer, visit the Finger Lakes for a getaway that we guarantee to be just peachy.

Take a Tour of Geneva’s Historic District

Geneva’s Historic District is said to be an architectural gem of the Finger Lakes region, but we like to call it the crown jewels. Found on the National Registry of Historic Places, Geneva’s South Main Street is a historic and timeless collection of structures built mostly between 1825 and 1850. The north end consists of Pulteney Park, the city’s first commercial district, and continues through highlights such as the Row Houses, the President’s House, the Garden Lots, and the Prouty-Chew House.

Visit Sampson State Park

Located on the east shore of Seneca Lake, Yale Manor’s neighbor, Sampson State Park, was once one of America’s largest military training bases during World War II. Repurposed into a state park, Sampson became a stunning area of grasses, wildflowers, and woodlands on a rolling landscape that surrounds ravines. It’s one of the best spots in all the Finger Lakes for catching a breathtaking sunset so packing a picnic and waiting for the sun’s final moments makes for a perfect evening during your stay.

Beer and Boats at the Boathouse Beer Garden in Romulus, NY

Don’t let the name fool you; the second half of this relaxing brewery isn’t a greenery-laden garden providing shade and sweet-smelling flowers. It’s the official Cayuga Lake satellite location for the Finger Lakes Boating Museum. Besides its craft brews with names inspired by a commanding sea captain (you can almost hear the echoes of his voice as you order a glass of Full Ahead or Come About!), it also features vintage water crafts.

Take a Tour of Ithaca's 150 Waterfalls

If you haven’t been to Ithaca, then it’s time to discover how the phrase, “Ithaca is GORGE!” came about. With over 150 falls and cascades through ravines and gorges carved into the land thousands of years ago, Ithaca has one of the most interesting landscapes in the world. Guide yourself along these winding pathways from within your car, take to the hiking trails outdoors, or book a narrated guided tour; your adventure will be full of breathtaking views and the tranquility of nature.

National Public Gardens Day in the Finger Lakes

If you’re a nature enthusiast or outdoors adventurer, then the Finger Lakes are one of your best options for a scenic retreat surrounded by a breathtaking natural landscape. Rolling green hills and sparkling blue water of the Seneca Lake are just two of the reasons why a stay at Yale Manor is one of the best getaways you’ll ever find. Besides the untouched beauty here, we’ve also dipped our own hands in Mother Nature’s craft and cultivated some beautiful gardens renowned around the world.

Availability Search...